Nelson J. Shaffer, executive vice president/chief administrative officer of Pennoni Associates Inc. has accepted the invitation to be a member of the Delaware Botanic Gardens’ Advisory Council. The council is a group of distinguished public- and private-sector leaders who are assisting in the creation of the first public garden in southern Delawares The Advisory Council is chaired by Delaware’s First Lady, Carla Markell.

“Pennoni’s pro bono assistance to DBG is a remarkable testimony to the values of community service with which Chuck Pennoni has imbued his entire organization. I welcome Nelson to our Advisory Council. He and Pennoni represent the very best of corporate responsibility and volunteerism,” said Mrs. Markell.

Michael Zajic, president of DBG, said, “It is fitting that as we celebrate the placement of our Delaware Botanic Gardens sign on our site, we welcome Nelson Shaffer of Pennoni to our Advisory Council. Pennoni has made it possible for our vision to become a real, ongoing project.”

Nelson Shaffer said, “We at Pennoni are very excited about this unique project. As a leading A&E firm, we have participated in some very wonderful and historic projects. The Delaware Botanic Gardens is our opportunity to work with a group of dedicated citizens who are creating a beautiful destination which will enhance the quality of life. We are proud of the great work our Milton office, led by Mark Davidson, has given to DBG, and we are committed to continuing our support.”

The Advisory Council led by Mrs. Markell is a group of distinguished leaders such as Holly Shimizu, emerita executive director of the United States Botanic Garden; Collin O’Mara, director of the National Wildlife Federation; and Hugh Leahy, former senior vice president of the Delaware Community Foundation.

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is a ten year, multiphase plan to bring a sense of place to Delmarva with a major public garden that reflects southern Delaware’s unique coastal plain. Its mission is to create inspirational, educational, and sustainable gardens in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The gardens will be located on 37 acres along Piney Neck Road in Sussex County. The parcel has an ideal mix of farmland, woodlands, and more than 1,000 feet of tidal waterfront on Pepper Creek.

Delaware Botanic Gardens

The Delaware Botanic Gardens is a ten-year, multiphase plan to bring a sense of place to Delmarva with a major public garden that reflects southern Delaware’s unique coastal plain. Its mission is to create inspirational, educational, and sustainable gardens in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. The gardens will be located on 37 acres along Piney Neck Road in Sussex County. The parcel has an ideal mix of farmland, woodland, and more than 1,000 feet of tidal waterfront on Pepper Creek.

DELAWARE BOTANIC GARDENS

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Stages of the garden's creation during the multiyear effort to Open the Garden Gates:

Groundbreaking

Build the basics

Begin programs

Enlarge the endowment

Purchase initial plantings and use donated plant materials

Install temporary modular buildings

Hire the initial staff

Grand opening

Develop individual gardens

Add special features

Finish plantings

Build the staff

Final stages

Complete large permanent structures

Fully staff all operations

This botanic garden will become a special place that will enhance the quality of life here in Sussex County. Our residents and our visitors will treasure this botanic garden, which will also serve to educate all to understand the value of conservation. In keeping with the overall mission of the SCLT, the Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek will enable us to pass on the best of our values to the next generation.